(SAINT PAUL) — State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL — South St. Paul) will be attending “Night to Unite” events throughout District 52A, which includes South St Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale on Tuesday, August 6, 2013.
Formerly known as “National Night Out,” “Night to Unite” events encourage neighborhoods to plan get-togethers and spend the evening outdoors with your neighbors.
“‘Night to Unite’ is a national and local tradition that affirms our commitment as neighbors to look out for one another and keep our community safe,” said Rep. Hansen. “I encourage folks to participate in area events and spend an evening getting to know their neighbors. I look forward to seeing everyone.”
The DFL-led Legislature prioritized public safety, crime victims, and ensuring that all have access to justice. The Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety Finance Bill increased funding by $100 million, including additional funds for crime victims, law enforcement training, community supervision, problem-solving courts, representation of the poor, and treating sex offenders and those suffering from chemical dependency.
Minnesota also took a great leap forward providing funding for programs to reduce the sex-trafficking of minors. The FBI places the Twin Cities among the top 13 largest centers for child sex-trafficking in the country.
The Legislature also took major steps to improve Minnesota’s statewide public safety infrastructure – providing resources to replace the state’s dated 20-year-old Criminal History System and Crime Reporting System.
The budget restores cuts to the justice system. It also invests in specialty courts, which handle drug, veterans, domestic violence and mental health cases. These courts have proven to decrease costs for the justice system as a whole.